Christianity Terminology Christ founder Christians followers Christianity religion

Christianity: Terminology Christ (founder) Christians (followers) Christianity (religion)

Christianity: Religion w Christianity ªRoman Catholic ªEastern Orthodoxy w (West East Roman Empire) w Roman Catholic Protestant (M. Luther)>Various Denominations Catholic All are Christians

New Curriculum w Emphasis ? ? ªPrevious HKCEE Curriculum (NT & OT) ªNow on Jesus Christ (founder) w Historical Approach (objective, verifiable) w (vs. religious or personal) w = 3 Perspectives (past, present, future) ªHeritage of Jesus Christ ªLife of Jesus Christ ªPerception of Jesus Christ

I) Heritage of Jesus Christ = Background 1) Historical Background 1) =Old Testament (≠Jewish Bible in itself) 2) Its themes serve as heritage of the new rel. 2) Socio-political Context (within Palestine) 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Under Roman governorship Under Greek Culture Striving for Independence (Maccabees) Political Groups: Herodians, Zealots, Sadducees Religious Groups: Pharisees, Essenes

II) Life of Jesus Christ = The Origin of Christianity A) Deeds (The 4 Gospels, esp. Mark) ªIncludes: ªBirth, ªMinistry, ªMiracles, ªPassion, ªResurrection and Ascension

II) Life of Jesus Christ B) Words (teachings) w 1) Kingdom of God ª Its presence ª Its entrance ª Its future: New Element: Eschatology (Mark 13) + 2 Peter 3: 9 … w 2) Will of God (Ethics) ª About discipleship ª Parables (means) ª Law

III) Perception of Jesus Christ w =The Continuation of Jesus’ Ministry w A) Jesus’ Identity ªteacher, prophet, Messiah, Son of man, Son of God, etc. ªAs perceived by his surrounding people w B) Development of the Early Church ªAscension – Pentecost – Persecution – Spreading to Gentiles – Jerusalem Council Rome

III) Perception of Jesus Christ w C) Development of Basic Christian Belief w 1) Faith and Salvation ª Paul’s concept of salvation (diff. emphases): w Justification by Faith (Forensic, legal) w Change of Sovereignty (Slave of Evil or God) w Unity with God (Baptism metaphor, Rom 6) ª James’ complement to Paul’s Justification 2) New Commandment (Distinctive of X’ty) ª Love one another (Love neighbors as one self, take care of the weak, vs survival for the fittest, etc. )